Just because NBA players know what James Harden can do doesn't mean they can stop him.

Harden is averaging 36.3 points per game to lead the league in scoring, but what he's been doing over this recent stretch is even more remarkable. He has scored 30 points or more in the last 26 games, good for the third longest streak in league history.

The discussion of his stats and streaks have dominated conversation around the league, but not because what he's doing is surprising.

"It doesn't surprise me, just because I know how talented he is and just how great of a scorer he is," Suns forward Ryan Anderson said. "So it's crazy to say a guy putting up historic numbers is not surprising, but I've seen him do some pretty crazy things over the years."

Anderson and Harden played together in Houston the last two seasons, so he got to see the Rockets guard up close.

On Monday, Harden, a former Sun Devil standout, will return to Arizona for his first meeting with the Suns this season. The last time Suns coach Igor Kokoskov faced Harden was in last year's Western Conference Semifinals. Then an assistant with the Jazz, Kokoskov saw his team's season end at the hands of the Rockets, who took the series 4-1.

"It's an open debate, you know, when you go to the sports bar and you talk (about) who's is the best offensive player to ever play the game, you can easily go with Harden," Kokoskov said.

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Phoenix Suns coach Igor Kokoskov talks about how they plan to defend James Harden in Monday night's home game against the Houston Rockets.
Duane Rankin, Arizona Republic

The reigning MVP could win the title again this year.

Kokoskov knows Harden will present a huge challenge for the Suns, who have lost 10 straight. He noted on Sunday that they'll need to switch coverage and double team, all while acknowledging that there's no defense Harden hasn't seen this season. Rookie Mikal Bridges will be tasked with part of that.

"I'm up to every challenge. It's going to be tough, but it's not just me," Bridges said.

Kokoskov is hoping that the young Suns will limit their fouls on Harden, as he's a regular at the free-throw line. Kokoskov knows they can't erase Harden as a scorer; he just wants to force him to take "high-value" shots.

But while the Suns get ready, Harden is working on his defense, too. In the Rocket's most recent win over the Jazz, he had 43 points, 12 rebounds, six steals, five assists and four blocks.

"If I was any taller, I could have gotten another block," Harden told Houston media after Saturday's game. "Honestly, I was just trying to be active and create some opportunities with our defense."

Houston offense runs through Harden, and he does the bulk of his scoring unassisted. His teammates seem fine with that. While their stats are certainly lower, they allow him time to create.

Anderson recalls understanding his role while he was in Houston. Plus, after a rough start to the season, the 30-22 Rockets have climbed the Western Conference standings. They currently sit at sixth.

“It’s crazy," Rockets teammate Gerald Green said Saturday on Harden. "It’s unbelievable the stuff that he is really doing. He is so locked in. He puts the work in, he is leading us in the right direction. Our job is to let him lead and follow him and let him take us where we need to go to.”

Houston Rockets guard James Harden has scored 30 points or more in the last 26 games, good for the third longest streak in league history.(Photo11: Russell Isabella, Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports)

Houston Rockets at Suns

When: 7 p.m.

Where: Talking Stick Resort Arena

TV: FOX Sports Arizona

Outlook: Phoenix (11-43) has lost 10 straight games for the second time this season as it hasn’t won since Devin Booker returned from back spasms. The Suns are coming off a 118-112 loss Saturday against Atlanta as rookie point guard Trae Young scored 17 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter. Booker was two assists away from his first career triple double – 32 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists in 43 minutes. … Houston (30-22) has won four of its last six games. The Rockets beat Utah, 125-98, in the second of a back-to-back Saturday as James Harden has now scored at least 30 points in 26 straight games. The former Arizona State star had 43 in Saturday’s win. … Rookie 7-footer Deandre Ayton went for 13 points on 5-of-15 shooting and 11 rebounds in his return after missing six games with a left ankle sprain. … The Rockets have two former Suns in Brandon Knight and Marquese Chriss, who wound up in Houston in trade with Phoenix for Ryan Anderson and rookie De’Anthony Melton. Knight is averaging three points as he battled a knee injury while Chriss is averaging 1.8 points. … After Monday’s game, Phoenix has four more games before All-Star break. The Suns play Wednesday at Utah, return home to play Golden State on Friday and go back on the road to face Sacramento and the Los Angeles Clippers.